The City of New York and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are looking into the cause of death of a 25-year-old worker who was installing windows at an apartment under construction on East 67th Street, when he fell to his death from the 23rd floor.
Worker Kevin Kelly apparently fell because a safety strap failed, spilling him 200 feet to the ground. Emergency services were called, and he was transported to the hospital. He was reportedly dead at the scene.
Kelly's accident, among others, has caused an uproar at the Department of Buildings, which has oversight over building safety and code violations. Patricia J. Lancaster resigned as Buildings Commissioner last month amid city and state hearings on construction safety.
Ironworkers have some of the highest accident and death rates of any workers in the U.S., according to government reports. Ironworkers work with extreme heat of welding tools, heights, heavy equipment and the awesome size and weight of the iron girders and raw materials of their trade. Accidents are bound to happen.
But the negligence of others should not be an additional on-the-job danger. If you or a loved one has sustained injury or death in an ironworking accident, you have rights. The Doan Law Firm, P.C. has extensive experience in work-related injury and death and can counsel victims of negligence. Contact The Doan Law Firm, P.C. today.